Do I need trekking poles for general use?
This shelter is designed to be used with trekking poles, but an 8 oz / 227 g alternate pole set is also available for non-trekking pole users. It is also possible to suspend the structure from trees or other overhead supports.
Can I use this for winter?
The structure will withstand light to moderate snow loading. The optional partial solid interior is recommended for cold winds or blowing snow.
Can this shelter really fit three people?
Yes. The interior will widen to just fit three standard width sleeping pads (72 in x 20 in / 183 cm x 51 cm). The fly-only set up will easily sleep three.
Are there any additional pullout points for extra staking?
The StratoSpire 2 has attachments for (and ships with) apex guylines to strengthen the ridgeline. It also has fly-top pull-outs which can be guyed out to assist in high winds and for snow loads.
Is this shelter suitable for tall folks?
We’ve found that the maximum comfortable height in the StratoSpire 2 is 6’4″ / 1.93 m.
Kevin English –
Just got back from 3 nights in the Ishi Wilderness where we had the chance to test out the Stratospire 2 in wind, rain, hail, and snow. It was amazing! Worked so well I think my friend who already owns the Hogback is going to get the Stratospire also. If you are interested in any photos of the tent in the field let me know what size and I can email them to you.
Thanks again from a happy customer,
Kevin English
Kevin (verified owner) –
The Pros: This thing is light and durable. I take care of my gear, but the quality materials of this tent give me the confidence it can take the worst of beatings. I saw what it was capable of. I got caught in a hail storm at 10k feet along a mountain ridgeline. I pitched the tent and used the extra guyline points to secure it with larger stakes I purchased separately. It rained all night and wind blew by at speeds of 75 MPH. The tent shrugged it off with ease. If you plan on using it in severe cold I recommend the solid interior. The mesh interior is no joke – it really is bug proof and VERY breathable. This tent is also very roomy. I usually go solo and the single version is probably all you need. I decided to get the double so I can accommodate a friend or partner when needed.
Cons: The tent can be rough to pitch. I can see how this can be a pain if you find yourself in areas where space and ground become tricky. However, this is overcome with experience.
Hannah (verified owner) –
We used this tent for a month of very rainy Spring in New Zealand while hiking and car camping. We chose the 1/2 solid + 1/2 mesh interior to have a bit more warmth during windy gales. The tent worked great, despite the condensation typical of NZ climate. We would unclip the interior each morning to keep it dry. Then towel down the fly to get it as dry as possible before packing it separately. It does require a larger ground space than most 2-man tents but it was never difficult to find such space. It was great to have the extra space to prep and eat meals inside the fly during the deluges. We own several other name-brand tents and the quality of workmanship on this Tarptent is much higher.
Kjell Forssen (verified owner) –
I thought my Scarp 2 was the best tent that could be made – until now! The Stratosfire 2 has all that Scarp 2 has and large vestibules as an extra feature. My all time favorite from first second.
A little bit tricky to pich but I will soon get the hang of it.
Keith –
Name a tent that has a better liveable space (floor space and height), is double-walled, vertical sidewalls, that has 2 doors and 2 vestibules that are MASSIVE, and comes from a company with friendly and supportive customer service all at under 2.6lbs? I don’t think you can.
This tent is an outlier. Perfect for two people and a dog. Dry entry since the vestibules are massive, you can change out of your wet gear before you get in. Very storm worthy and very adaptable to any conditions be it hot, rainy, snowy, sunny, etc. The asymmetrical design allows for a roomy interior with poles are away from the door. Most tents with trekking poles have the trekking pole split the door and get in the way of your entry. Not this tent!
The things I don’t like: not “stuffable”, or in other words it has struts that make it difficult to stuff in a stuff sack or backpack. The struts are not easily removable to allow for this AND even if there were, there are 4 of them to deal with. Also, with the asymmetrical design, I always have a hard time knowing where foot and head of the tent will end up lol. It is not that intuitive but I get better after every setup so no stars lost there.
Kevin Hansen –
I’ve owned my Stratospire 2 for 4 or 5 years now. Just returned from spending a week in northern MN in the BWCAW. Each time I use my Stratospire Tarptent I’m amazed at its simple, efficient, sturdy design. Every time I crawl inside I lay there and admire the thought that went into its design.
Thanks for making a great product, and please keep up the good work.